Its been a joy volunteering for CoachBright! Everyone in the team made me feel really welcome and I enjoyed every moment, from learning about the process of coaching in the early weeks to meeting my coachee and helping him with his studies. I’m fortunate that I had this opportunity as it’s definitely helped improve my confidence.

— Alex, 2nd Year Geophysics students, UCL

Becoming a Volunteer Coach

Our programmes are a success thanks to enthusiastic and committed university students who have an interest in education and social equality, volunteering their time to coach a school pupil.

Why Volunteer?

Skill development to increase employability (coaching skills, team work, organisation, planning, and more).

Gain first-hand insight of what works in changing behaviours in a disadvantaged school, improving your prospects of entering social graduate schemes Teach First and Frontline.

Earn a formal Student Leadership Accreditation awarded by the SSAT (The Schools Network). Find out more here.

Professional Network

Networking opportunities with industry professionals (in both the corporate and third sectors)

Opportunities to progress and specialise within CoachBright either as a team leader or using your specialism (design, data analysis, etc).

Progression support for university students from disadvantaged backgrounds and introductions to global graduate employers.

Join an Active Team

Meet like-minded students from your university and others around the country, joining a team of hundreds passionate about tackling educational disadvantages.

Get membership to the CoachBright Student Society, led by a dedicated committee who are coaches themselves.

Attend workshops, trips and regular socials as well as our bi-annual CoachBright parties where we announce winners of The Coach Awards!

Make a Difference

Help balance out the inequality that exists in the UK which prevents many high achieving students reaping the rewards of Higher Education.

Learn more about your local community and do something that's going to make a lasting difference when you leave.

Use an hour of your week to build a relationship with an individual who may not otherwise get the time and attention.

Our Programmes

Term 1 Core Programme (Oct-Dec) - apply to be a Volunteer Coach and complete training in September.

Term 2 Core Programme (Feb-April) - apply to be a Volunteer Coach and complete training in January.

We also have shorter, one-off volunteering opportunities throughout the year. These include holiday revision programmes, transition summer schools and evening events. Drop us an email at team@coachbright.org if you'd like to be kept up to date with opportunities like this!

Time Commitments

2 Training Sessions - these are compulsory and are half a day each, with refreshments provided.

7 weeks of 1-1 coaching - each coaching session lasts for one hour and takes place at your pupil's school which will be a maximum of 60 minutes from your university campus.

Attendance at a Launch Trip and Graduation Trip - these are trips to a university campus at the beginning and end of each programme to help pupils learn what going to university is like. Coaches are asked to attend as much of the trip as they can!

What We Look For

We are looking for applicants who have the potential to deliver high quality 1-1 coaching for the pupils we work with. While it is a bonus, we do not expect applicants to have prior experience working with young people. All applications are assessed on the following competencies:

Emotional Intelligence Communication skills Humility Professionalism

Current coaches come from all subject disciplines and from a range of top HE institutions. Our volunteer team comprises undergraduates, postgraduates and recent graduates. Scroll to the bottom of this page to hear from past volunteers!

How To Apply

1 - Fill in short online application form.

2 - Attend 1st Training session on coaching (assessed).

3 - Selected! Attend 2nd Training session on working with young people.

4 - Await DBS certificate and practise coaching.

5 - Attend Launch Trip of programme at university.

6 - Get coaching!

If you have any questions or concerns before applying, feel free to email us on team@coachbright.org.

Got a spare 10 minutes? Click below to apply today!

A Word From Our Coaches

Read Matthew's Story

Arts and Sciences Undergraduate at UCL and Coach since September 2016.